Overwintering guide
How to overwinter pygmy water lily
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills pygmy water lily in winter
Cutting pygmy water lily hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More pygmy water lily care
Overwintering pygmy water lily — FAQ
Does pygmy water lily need to come indoors for winter?
Pygmy Water Lily is hardy to roughly USDA zone 3 — winter lows around -40°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Pygmy Water Lily is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move pygmy water lily for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water pygmy water lily in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills pygmy water lily over winter?
Cutting pygmy water lily hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.